Thursday, June 24th, 2010 at 4:46 pm  |  6 responses

The Other City: DC’s Struggle

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ab4by Alana Beard / @Alanabeard20

What’s up y’all! So this blog is going to be a little different.

Normally I am writing about basketball, but that’s not the case today. After all, the title of my blog is called “The Mind of An Athlete.” So…this is my mind.

Sometimes I get writer’s block because I am not the type of person to just sit and write. When I write, I usually try to do so with a purpose. If you knew me, you would know I am a person of PURPOSE.

Now you know. : )

Yesterday, I had the chance to view one of the most powerful, intense and heart-gripping documentaries ever! “The Other City,” produced by Washington Mystics President Sheila Johnson is a profound piece of work that takes an in-depth look at the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Washington, DC.

I knew, and was aware of, the epidemic but when the numbers and facts were flashed in front of my face; it took my emotions and urgency of wanting to increase awareness to another level. The city of DC alone, statistics wise, rivals some African countries!

A lot of people don’t know about this. Others just don’t care. When I speak of people not knowing and not caring, I am talking about those who have been infected and those who haven’t. I have always valued the fact that everyone has a choice in life. I know there are many resources surrounding the HIV/AIDS issue but it is obviously not enough. As small as it may be, I feel great knowing that I am doing my part.

I am making a choice to use this blog as an outlet to educate and increase awareness of HIV/AIDS. This is just one step of many I want to take. What will your choice be? Become aware, understand, and act…actions speaks louder than words!

redlogo1To know more about the documentary, “The Other City,” visit theothercity.com and follow them on Twitter @The_Other_City.

Also, here’s a link if you wish to get involved with Nike and our fight against HIV/AIDS: go.nike.com/EndAIDS. Follow the cause on twitter also @joinred.

When you say I can’t…I will! Whoop whoop.

- Alana

P.S. My teammate and friend Monique Currie (@Mocurrie25) tweeted it best: “I know my status. Do you? Seriously?”

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  • http://slamonline.com Ben York

    Great stuff, Alana. Thanks, as always.

  • Ace

    What a great cause.

  • nastierthanu

    Its beautiful reading this story because you might be realizing your potential as u take crucial steps in your career. There are individuals that want to make a difference in their lives, but they don’t have the media outlets that being a world class athlete provides. You have a beautiful burden. So many people are out there strugglin and searchin for hope. You can provide that hope and change lives beyond your wildest imagination. You may have wondered why it is you have been so blessed with ability and talent. Maybe its not so you can take chicks to the rack maybe its because a people need a spokesman. Martin Luther King was a just a pastor until a greater need presented itself. Ms Beard you have just uncovered what could be your greater need. Good Luck

  • mikej

    PEACE! Thanks Alana for the heads up. I visited AIDS victims in Zambia, Uganda and Kenya when I lived in those countries. I used to go weekly in 2000 (when I lived in Silver Spring) to the Missionaries of Charity hospice for AIDS victims in NE Washington to help out at evening meal time. I hope the film is shown up here in Rhode Island. I will contact our local theaters. Congratulations on the win tonight over LA. GO AB! GO MYSTICS!

  • http://slamonline.com Tzvi Twersky

    Missed this when it was new. Glad I found it.

  • ZM

    Hey Alana even though you’re hurt right now are you eligible to make the Olympic Team?

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